Shoulder lesions in sows are an issue pig producers need to pay attention to because: a) it can be an indication of sow welfare; b) pre-weaning mortality rates can rise because of sows changing positions frequently in the farrowing crate to alleviatepain; and c) it may lead to blood poisoning of the sow. Shoulder lesions in sows are caused by pressure the shoulder blade exerts against the tissues overlying it. As a result of this pressure those tissues lose blood supply and eventually die. The occurrence of shoulder lesions in piggeries is highly variable, with reports of it ranging from 0% to more than 20% in piggeries.
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